Hi Need some advice, suggestions, whatever words of wisdom on how to proceed. I have been interested in purchasing a kayak and have decided on a fiberglass one. For the last month, I have been doing a lot of research on all the models available and have identified some models I would like to consider. The problems I am having are: 1. Not being able to find stores carrying some of the vendors I am interested in that are within 1-2 hour drive. I currently live about a hours drive from both Jacksonville, Fla. and Savannah, Ga. 2. What I almost always run into are stores carrying some of the vendors I am interested in, but seldom have the particular models I am considering. Before making a purchase I definitely want to try out the kayak. What I am finding is some stores say they can order the model I want to purchase and will let me try out a different demo model with similar characteristics, size etc. 3. I have been able to find some stores that carry a model I am interested in but they are hesitant in letting me try it out since it is not a demo model and I am not ready to buy right then. What I need is your advice, suggestion on how might proceed to find vendor/models I would like to check out. Any one know of any store in South East USA ie Georgia, North Fla., N.C., S.C. that carry some of the kayaks listed below and have a good selection and also have models to try out. Am I wrong wanting to try out a model before I buy or should I try out a similar model? I have been looking for a local kayak expo, show in the S.E. but just missed the one in Charleston. Any help you can give would be much appreciated. Vendor/Model considering are: Current Design: Solstice Series Dagger: Sitka, Meridian, Latitude Eddyline( Can't find store carrying this line in surrounding area) Necky: Any Model Northwest: Can't find store carrying this line in surrounding area P&H : any model Seaward: Can't find store in surrounding area Valley Canoe: Wilderness Systems: Shenia, Solution Models *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
At 07:53 PM 6/17/99 -0400, Jeff Rowland wrote: >Hi > >> Need some advice, suggestions, whatever words of wisdom on how to proceed. >I have been interested in purchasing a kayak and have decided on a fiberglass >one. For the last month, I have been doing a lot of research on all the >models available and have identified some models I would like to consider. <the rest of message snipped> Jeff, I would not buy a kayak that I did not get a chance to paddle first. I don't know your skill level, but a common mistake that I often see is for novices to agonize over finding the "perfect" kayak. After a year you will probably want a vastly different boat, one with more performance or one that is more specialized to the aspects of kayaking that you wish to pursue. This is not always the case, but it seems to happen much more often than not with the paddlers that I know. I recommend that new paddlers find a used plastic boat such as a sea lion and use it for a year. After that time you will have the skills and knowledge to find a boat you love and sell the plastic boat for about what you bought it for. As always, YMMV. Best Regards, Greg Stamer *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
> > Hi > > > Need some advice, suggestions, whatever words of wisdom on how to proceed. > I have been interested in purchasing a kayak and have decided on a fiberglass > one. For the last month, I have been doing a lot of research on all the > models available and have identified some models I would like to consider. I believe I may have responed to you on R.B.P. but I'll go ahead and do it again here. First of all there are a couple of bits of information that would be helpful if anyone is going to make some recommendations. How much sea kayaking experience do you have. Some of the boats you might be considering (or should be) might not be appropriate for your current and intended skill level. Second, and equally important, is a disclosure of your height and weight. There are many models which are designed for larger or smaller volume paddlers. It won't do any good to ask for recommendations about, say, a Current Designs Slipstream if you wouldn't fit into it. Finally, what kinds of conditions do you mostly plan on paddling? Some boats work real well for playing around in surf, while others are designed for long distances. > > The problems I am having are: > > > 1. Not being able to find stores carrying some of the vendors I am interested > in that are within 1-2 hour drive. I currently live about a hours drive from > both Jacksonville, Fla. and Savannah, Ga. I hear ya. Up until a little over a month ago there was only one kayak vendor in the town where I live (and they only carried two vendors) and there really isn't anything with a better selection within two hours. I ended up going to central New Jersey to buy my first touring boat. My recommendation would be to check for local shops in your destination area everytime you do any traveling. > 2. What I almost always run into are stores carrying some of the vendors I am > interested in, but seldom have the particular models I am considering. Before > making a purchase I definitely want to try out the kayak. What I am finding > is some stores say they can order the model I want to purchase and will let me > try out a different demo model with similar characteristics, size etc. It's nice if you can find a store that carries every model from every vendor that you might want to try out. A friend of mine just opened the *second* kayak shop in town (Ithaca, NY) and it takes awhile to build up a stock. New kayaks, especially fiberglass layups, aren't cheap, even for proprietors of kayak shops. At the very least, you should at least sit in the model you're considering to make sure it fits you. A test paddle is highly recommended as well. > 3. I have been able to find some stores that carry a model I am interested in > but they are hesitant in letting me try it out since it is not a demo model > and I am not ready to buy right then. I can understand this. My friend carries the Seaward line and bought an Endeavor as well as several of their other models. He was considering keeping the Endeavor as a personal boat and took it out last weekend. Even though he tried to be careful he managed to put a couple of scratches on the deck while entering it for the first time when the boat slipped under a dock. New proprietors just cannot afford to have a brand new >$2000 boat scratched up during a demo paddle. Carrying a "demo" boat for every model from multiple vendors can get very expensive. > What I need is your advice, suggestion on how might proceed to find > vendor/models I would like to check out. Any one know of any store in South > East USA ie Georgia, > North Fla., N.C., S.C. that carry some of the kayaks listed below and have a > good selection and also have models to try out. > > Am I wrong wanting to try out a model before I buy or should I try out a > similar model? I have been looking for a local kayak expo, show in the S.E. > but just missed the one in Charleston. I suggested kayaking symposiums before. Consider going to one even if it's *not* local. I'm going back to the LL Bean sysmposium in Castine, Maine (July 9-11) again this year because I had such a good time last year. All of the vendors you listed below were there with most of their product line available for demo. There are also a lot of good seminars and classes taught by world class paddlers. Watch for demo days from paddling shops as well. Last weekend I went to one and was able to try out almost all of the Current Designs boats. > > Vendor/Model considering are: > > Current Design: Solstice Series Also consider the Gulfstream/Slipstream, the Caribou, and their newest design, the Extreme. I personally prefer the last two over the others although I really like the way Gulfstream I don't like the way it fits me. > Dagger: Sitka, Meridian, Latitude The Meridian is a really fine boat but I haven't paddled the others but the Latitude looks real interesting. > Eddyline( Can't find store carrying this line in surrounding area) The Falcon 18 seems to be popular but I've never paddle one. > Necky: Any Model The Looksha IV is a real nice boat if it fits you. The Arluk III is also worth a look. Again, which of these would be best for you depends on the criteria I described above. > Northwest: Can't find store carrying this line in surrounding area They're mostly out on the west coast but Mountain Man Outdoors in Inlet, NY (mountainmanoutdoors.com) carries them. I have no experience with them. > P&H : any model Try the Capella, the Orion, and the Sirius. I think I recall someone mentioning a place in Florida that carries them. > Seaward: Can't find store in surrounding area OBplug: My friend carries the Seaward line. After seeing them in the shop I'm dying to paddle them. I'll probably be able to give his Endeavor a try this weekend. If you're up this way let me know and you can take a look and try out a couple of these fine kayaks. They have a lot of really nice features. > Valley Canoe: Depending on your ability you can try anything from the Skerray (that's what I've got) to a Nordkapp. The Anas Acuta, Pintail, and Aquilla are all nice boats as well. Most of the places that I've found that carry the VCP boats also carry the NDK (Nigel Dennis Kayaks) boats. The Romany 16 and Romany 18 (explorer) are *definately* worth checking out. If I could only have 1 touring boat (and I could afford replacing mine) I would get a Romany 18. Jersey Paddler carries VCP boats and almost all of the others on your list. They have have a good demo program where you can try three boats for $15 or something like that. > Wilderness Systems: Shenia, Solution Models Also check out the Arctic Hawk and if you're small the Sparrow Hawk. I've paddled my friends Arctic Hawk quite a bit lately and the more I do, the more I like it. It's a bit tippy for a beginner though. Just to confuse you a bit more... Seda makes some nice glass boats and somehow managed to be able to sell them for quite a bit less than most other vendors. The Viking, Impulse, and Glider are worth looking at. Mariner makes some nice boats and I'm not just saying that because the designer reads this list. Finally, have you considered building a wood boat? Chesapeake Light Craft and Pygmy are two companies that have some very nice stitch-n-glue kits that require no woodworking experience to build a very nice and beautiful boat. -- John Fereira jaf30_at_cornell.edu *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Here is what I would do, if you haven't already - take a basic class and learn the power-forward stroke, sweep turn, lean turn. Then go to a kayak symposium or kayak store and sign up for demos. Paddle the kayak in a straight line at high speed and move into a lean turn. Try out a bunch and then start over, and you'll be able to see a world of difference. Here in the northwest we have several stores on the water that carry kayaks just for demoing such as Northwest Outdoor Center (http://www.nwoc.com), Olympic Outdoor Center (http://www.kayakproshop.com). The Trade Association of Paddlesports (http://www.gopaddle.com) is putting on symposiums nation-wide. The West Coast Sea Kayak Symposium is a great destination event and almost all the manufacturers are there. Andree Hurley Hurley Design Communications - ICQ# 27469637 On-line Editor - http://www.canoekayak.com Other Kayaking - http://www.onwatersports.com Web Sites for Specialty Businesses - http://www.viewit.com/HDC/ *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I'ld like to weigh in on the side that getting the perfect kayak the first time out is not so important. In fact, you may be better off concentrating on the "accessories" which will have a big effect on your comfort and safety: o light, responsive paddle. o comfortable PFD o comfortable, dry, warm clothing o self rescue and signalling equipment Skimping on these could make kayaking uncomfortable in any boat. That said, I just bought the "prefect" first boat. At least, one that I hope will be perfect enough to do what I want for the next 5 years or so. But, dispite test paddles and such, I won't really know how well I like it till I've been out on a couple long trips with it. Tom Unger Seattle Jeff Rowland wrote: > > Hi > > Need some advice, suggestions, whatever words of wisdom on how to proceed. > I have been interested in purchasing a kayak and have decided on a fiberglass > one. For the last month, I have been doing a lot of research on all the > models available and have identified some models I would like to consider. > > The problems I am having are: > > 1. Not being able to find stores carrying some of the vendors I am interested > in that are within 1-2 hour drive. I currently live about a hours drive from > both Jacksonville, Fla. and Savannah, Ga. > > 2. What I almost always run into are stores carrying some of the vendors I am > interested in, but seldom have the particular models I am considering. Before > making a purchase I definitely want to try out the kayak. What I am finding > is some stores say they can order the model I want to purchase and will let me > try out a different demo model with similar characteristics, size etc. > > 3. I have been able to find some stores that carry a model I am interested in > but they are hesitant in letting me try it out since it is not a demo model > and I am not ready to buy right then. > > What I need is your advice, suggestion on how might proceed to find > vendor/models I would like to check out. Any one know of any store in South > East USA ie Georgia, > > North Fla., N.C., S.C. that carry some of the kayaks listed below and have a > good selection and also have models to try out. > > Am I wrong wanting to try out a model before I buy or should I try out a > similar model? I have been looking for a local kayak expo, show in the S.E. > but just missed the one in Charleston. > > Any help you can give would be much appreciated. > > Vendor/Model considering are: > > Current Design: Solstice Series > > Dagger: Sitka, Meridian, Latitude > > Eddyline( Can't find store carrying this line in surrounding area) > > Necky: Any Model > > Northwest: Can't find store carrying this line in surrounding area > > P&H : any model > > Seaward: Can't find store in surrounding area > > Valley Canoe: > > Wilderness Systems: Shenia, Solution Models > > *************************************************************************** > PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List > Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net > Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net > Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ > *************************************************************************** -- ooooo -- Tom Unger oo\ oo Wet Weather Consulting o \ o (206)783-5839 o B I\V I o o \ o oo \oo ooooo *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:32:59 PDT